The Bible tells us that we should have 'joy' in the midst of our trials. Joy is not the same as 'happiness'. Happiness is proportionate to your surroundings, 'earthly' happiness. It comes when things are good and goes with the situations change. It's temporary. But the JOY we find through Christ can't be shaken unless we 'choose' to let it be. I 'choose' joy. I took this picture this week, digging through the rubble of my burned down craft studio. Twenty-six years of collecting my 'FAVORITE' craft products, the new stamp I just couldn't live without. The new tool that would make my life AMAZING! Each purchase brought me 'happiness'. Temporary happiness, because the next scroll through Pinterest or Facebook just found my NEW form of happiness... an even better, brighter crafting product. The last 'must have' item, just sat on the crafting table, or maybe shoved in a drawer, not even used. Forgotten.
That is what 'happiness' is all about. It's temporary... good for a moment. But JOY is constant. It's there when you are on top of the world, and it's there when your world seems to have fallen apart. It's there because we know no matter where we are in life.. God is with us. He never changes. He gives us a HOPE and a promise.
While digging through the RUBBLE of my burned down craft studio this week, I found a stencil. This stencil is made of plastic and should have disintegrated under the massive heat of that barn fire. But there it lay... as if calling out to me, reminding me of where my heart should always be. That even in the heat of the fire, I can rejoice... Because my joy is not found in earthly things. It is found in Jesus. 'The lover of of my soul.'. A whisper from the 'Name above ALL names'... the GREAT I AM... the Loving Father... reminding me of where I find my joy. I can REJOICE because NOTHING can steal my JOY! Hallelujah!
The enemy wanted me to fold. But the hand is just beginning. God is the God of Restoration. It is in Him that I put my trust. He takes what was meant for evil and turns it to good. Always. I am not sure what His plan is, but no matter WHAT it is.. I can trust I will find joy.
I hope you will continue to follow my JOURNEY as we slowly rebuild. Because of SO much love, compassion and generosity I will be able to begin making video tutorials very soon on my YouTube Channel! Each LIKE and SUBSCRIBE and each COMMENT will help me to get my videos out there and be able to continue creating! Once again... It's Journey Time!
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